Channel 4"s 4oD shows are now available for UK users of Youtube. Following the deal that was brought up a while ago, Youtube is now starting to host full-length episodes of top Channel 4 series, such as Peep Show and Gordon Ramsay"s F Word, according to The Guardian.
Youtube has posted 5,000 videos on the Channel 4 Youtube channel, 4,000 of which are full-length shows. The number is going to increase though, as sometime in early 2010 the full range of Channel 4"s shows is expected to be available to UK users.
The deal is expected to be mutually beneficial: Youtube shares some of the revenue from the adverts shown at the start of the videos with the rights holders and broadcasters, making it attractive to both companies. The Channel 4 on demand video service will still remain as it was, according to TechRadar, with the intention being to complement their service as opposed to replacing it.
The adverts are apparently about 30 seconds long, which show before the videos are played. Some of the advertisers include Virgin Media, Universal, Orange, Samsung and Pepsi, although it"s not clear if these will be shown for clips.
The deal brings hope that other broadcasters may follow suit, with a growing number of broadcasters offering on demand video services, some of which offer the ability to view their channels live.